HAMILTON, N.Y. (11/10/07)—Colgate University freshman Evan Librizzi (Essex Junction, Vt.) registered 12 points in her collegiate debut as the Raiders fell to Niagara 78-39 in the season opener on Cotterell Court. Niagara’s Kristina Walton led all scorers with 14 points.

 

Both squads had a tough time finding the bottom of the net in the early going with the two teams combining for 12 points in the opening seven minutes. Holding a six-point lead at the 11:35 mark, Niagara started to pull away with a 17-5 run over the next seven minutes for a 27-9 lead with four minutes left in the half. Niagara continued to pressure Colgate on the perimeter and took a 19-point lead, 33-14, into the break.

 

Colgate (0-1) struggled to get good looks at the basket with Niagara’s (1-0) tough man-to-man defense. The Purple Eagles held the Raiders to three field goals in the first half as the Purple Eagles took a big lead into the locker room.

 

The Raiders got into an offensive rhythm in the second frame, connecting on 50 percent (11-of-22) of their shots from the floor. However, it was not enough to get back into the game. Niagara built its lead to 27 points at 45-18 and continued to pull away for the season-opening victory.

 

Rookie Sami Kozlowski (New Market, Md.) added eight points for the Raiders and senior Caitlin Gillard (Vestal, N.Y.) had seven and a team-best six rebounds. Colgate shot 38.9 percent for the game and collected 24 rebounds.

 

Niagara had two other players in double figures with Liz Flooks getting 12 points and Jennifer McNamee adding 11 to the score sheet. Walton also led the Purple Eagles on the glass with a game-high nine rebounds. Niagara hit 45.6 percent of its shots from the floor and grabbed 38 rebounds, including 16 offensive boards.

 

The Raiders return to action on Nov. 12 at Canisius. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.